Alla fine del 1800, il primo ingegnere statale della California, William Hammond Hall, e il suo assistente, uno scozzese di nome John McLaren, trasformarono più di 405 ettari di dune di sabbia in un meraviglioso paradiso in mezzo alla città, battezzato Golden Gate Park dall'omonimo stretto che collega la baia all’oceano. Il paesaggio lussureggiante, che si estende per oltre 50 isolati da Stanyan Street all'oceano Pacifico, è caratterizzato da numerosi sentieri per fare passeggiate, jogging, ciclismo ed equitazione, oltre a un campo da golf, campi da bocce, un lago con pedalò, campi da calcio e un campo da baseball. Dal giardino del tè giapponese al conservatorio dei fiori fino alla Accademia delle scienze della California e al Young Museum, il Golden Gate Park di San Francisco racchiude un'infinità di bellezze paesaggistiche e di cultura intrigante all’interno della sua ampia estensione. Ci sono anche diversi parchi giochi, una giostra graziosa, un acquario, una riserva di bisonti e una teatro all'aperto dove ogni estate si tengono dei concerti.
Built in 1922, The Castro Theatre is San Francisco's only remaining movie palace. When it's not hosting film festivals, this 1400-seat house runs a repertory calendar heavy on film classics; there is no better place to see The Wizard of Oz. The interior reflects the elegance of a bygone era with its red velvet seats and walls that feature molded plaster and fresco detailing. The fanciful ceiling, from which an imposing art deco chandelier hangs, is designed to evoke the interior of a Bedouin tent. A mighty Wurlitzer organ plays between evening shows and completes the antique feel of the theater.
This impressive structure crowning Nob Hill was built on the site of the Crocker Mansion after the 1906 earthquake and fire. One of the main attractions of the cathedral are the stained glass windows. These windows showcase over 1000 figures, with some of them dating back as far as the 1930s. The gilded bas-reliefs that adorn the doors of the main entrance are cast from Ghiberti's original molds for the Gates of Paradise that adorn the Baptistery in Florence. The cathedral also boasts two labyrinths. The outdoor one is made of Terrazzo stone and the indoor one from limestone.
An architectural masterpiece, The Fillmore itself is as worth seeing as any band that plays here. Stand on the main floor next to the historic stage and look up at soaring ceilings, embellished with carvings and gold paint, while the booming speakers rattle your bones. If you choose the tranquility of the balcony instead, sink into velvet-covered seats, sip cocktails, and eat French fries. With posters representing almost every group that has ever played here, the history of American music is on full display.
Dolores Park is one of the main hot spots in San Francisco and is the major meet-up place for many citizens. Though it is not very large, it attracts crowds of people and the beautiful views make it worth the visit. Recreational resources include a few tennis courts, basketball courts, two soccer fields and a children's playground, but most of all Dolores Park is often used as a venue for special events such as movies in the park. Its surrounding area is known for some of San Francisco's major culinary attractions: Delfina, Pizzeria Delfina and the Tartine Bakery. It is also a great place to chill with some ice cream from the Bi-Rite Creamery. Saturday hang-outs in the park are often events themselves and it's always packed on weekends. Given its location, it's almost always sunny; the famous fog knows better than to ruin the oasis that is Dolores Park. Whether you choose to sit in Dog Beach, Hipster Beach, Speedo Ridge or partake in actual activity at the playground or tennis courts you are sure to have an unforgettable time.
The retro luxuriousness of Bimbo's 365 Club's interior adds unexpected character to the venue. A wide variety of artists perform here, from local talent to major-label superstars on international tours. Past headliners have included the Detroit Cobras, the Jon Spencer Blues Explosion, They Might Be Giants, Seu Jorge, Aimee Mann and the Flaming Lips. Weekly Wing nights fill the floor with Charleston-ing zoot-suiters, accentuating the original plush crimson curtains of Bimbo's 1931 opening.
Located in Saint Mary's College of California’s campus, LeFevre Theatre is a performing arts center. With state-of-the-art sound and light systems, they host dramas, musicals and other cultural programmes. Along with academic programmes on performing arts, they offer camps and workshops to students so they can immerse themselves in creativity.